Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Dietary Info: Gluten-Free (see note at end for vegetarian option)

Make Tandoori Chicken from scratch with this authentic recipe! Marinate chicken in a flavorful blend of yogurt, spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, then cook it in the oven or on the grill for that signature smoky flavor. This homemade Tandoori Chicken delivers a perfect balance of spice, tenderness, and smokiness, offering an unforgettable taste of traditional Indian cuisine. Serve with naan or rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Prep time: 20 mins; Cook time: 20-30 mins; Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

  • Chicken drumsticks (skinned) - 2 LBs
  • Salt (as per taste) - 1.5 - 2 tsp
  • Lime juice - 1.5 Tbsp
  • Finely chopped onions - 1 cup
  • Peeled and chopped garlic - 2-3 cloves
  • Peeled and chopped ginger - 2"
  • Canned Tomato puree 1/2 cup OR Red food coloring 1 tsp
  • Flavor Temptations Tandoori Chicken Spice Mix (contains 5 flavor blends) - 1
  • Plain whole milk yogurt - 1/3 cup
  • Chopped cilantro (optional) - 6-8 stems 

STEPS:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 deg F
  2. Clean drumsticks and cut 2 or 3 long slits on each one
  3. Mix salt, lime juice, Blend #5 (Marinade mix), and apply all over the chicken (making sure to apply within the slits) and keep aside for 15 -20 minutes
  4. In a bowl, mix together onions, tomato puree (or red coloring), ginger, garlic, yogurt, Blend #2 (Turmeric powder, Coriander powder, Cumin powder), and Blend #4 (Garam Masala). Mix in Blend #3 (Cayenne) adjusting to preferred spice level: (Hot: add all of it; Medium: add half of it; Mild: do not add any)
  5. Apply yogurt mixture on the drumsticks, making sure to apply well inside the slits. Cover and refrigerate for 8-16 hours
  6. Bake drumsticks for 20 to 35 minutes till they are tender and no longer pink on the inside.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

Serve hot over bed of long-grained or naan bread

NOTE: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with paneer or tofu.